1-Methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium Hexafluorophosphate TCI M3211

TCI M3211 1-Methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium Hexafluorophosphate, CAS number 57367-08-5, is a protic imidazolium salt formed from 1-methylimidazole paired with the hexafluorophosphate anion. In the TCI catalogue it is classified under ionic liquids, the family of organic salts with low melting points that are used as reaction media, as electrolytes, and as objects of study in their own right. In the laboratory the material supports work in electrochemistry, acid catalysis, and alternative solvent chemistry, where it functions both as a working substance and as a well-defined reference point.

The distinguishing character of this salt lies in its anion. Hexafluorophosphate is octahedral in shape, singly charged, and weakly coordinating, a combination that yields salts with hydrophobic character and good oxidative stability. These traits explain why hexafluorophosphate-based salts are so widely adopted in electrolyte systems. The protic imidazolium cation contributes a transferable proton, giving the compound Brønsted acidity that can be put to use catalytically. Direct comparison between hexafluorophosphate salts and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salts of the same cation is one of the standard approaches for isolating the influence of anion identity on ionic liquid behaviour.

Indonesian research laboratories typically encounter this material in university chemistry departments, in government research institutes, and in industrial research groups examining electrolytes and green solvent alternatives. It is generally requested as part of a set of ionic liquids sharing a common cation, so that the effect of changing the anion can be evaluated under identical conditions. Its catalogue position as a defined TCI item makes it straightforward to specify in procurement documents and to reproduce in follow-up studies.

• Electrochemical research: the weakly coordinating hexafluorophosphate anion provides good oxidative stability, making the salt suitable as an electrolyte component where a wide usable potential range matters.
• Acid catalysis studies: the protic imidazolium cation carries a transferable proton that supplies Brønsted acidity, allowing the salt itself to serve as both catalyst and reaction medium.
• Alternative solvent chemistry: as a low-melting organic salt it can replace conventional volatile solvents, supporting investigations into reaction media with negligible vapour pressure.
• Anion effect comparison: paired against the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt of the same cation, it isolates how anion identity alone governs physical and chemical properties.
• Hydrophobic phase systems: the hydrophobic character imparted by the hexafluorophosphate anion allows the material to be used where separation from aqueous phases is required.

• Chemical class: protic imidazolium salt with hexafluorophosphate anion

Store the material in its original tightly closed container, kept in a cool, dry and well ventilated area away from moisture and from incompatible substances. Because hexafluorophosphate salts are moisture sensitive in general practice, containers should be resealed promptly after each use and, where the work demands low water content, handled under an inert atmosphere or in a glove box. Use chemically resistant glass or compatible polymer containers and avoid prolonged exposure to open air. Handle in a fume hood with laboratory coat, safety goggles and chemically resistant gloves, and always consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet before use. Dispose of residues and contaminated materials through the institution's approved chemical waste route.

—